Danny Graham praised by Sunderland U21s boss after brace

Sunderland striker Danny Graham has been praised in the Sunderland Echoby U21s manager Andy Welsh following a brace against Liverpool.

The former Swansea City star made a big impact in the 4-3 Premier League cup defeat, firing home two goals to take the match into extra time.

It was Graham’s second successive U21s appearance for Sunderland, after featuring in last month’s 2-1 International Cup victory over Athletic Bilbao, despite being named in Sam Allardyce’s match day squad for the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Graham joined the Black Cats in 2013 but has scored just one goal in 30 appearances since then.

The 30-year-old has subsequently taken in loans at Hull City, Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and will be hoping that his recent form sees him earn a place in Allardyce’s starting XI against Stoke City this Saturday.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, U21s boss Welsh explained that Graham is hungry for minutes on the pitch, adding that he was thrilled with the Englishman’s performance against Liverpool following a long journey back from south London.

Anthony Chapman

Anthony is a journalism graduate who has previously worked as an online sports reporter for the Daily Express. He has a strong passion for European football and can also sometimes be found trying to keep up with a game of rugby.